Tornado Strikes Fox Valley, Leaving Menasha and Appleton with Significant Damage and Power Outages

A powerful tornado struck the Fox Valley region on July 27, 2026, causing extensive damage to the cities of Menasha and Appleton. The National Weather Service confirmed the storm produced EF-2 and EF-3 damage, with wind speeds reaching up to 140 mph. The storm left thousands of residents without power, resulting in a local state of disaster and a local state of emergency in several municipalities. In Menasha, Mayor Austin Hammond declared a local state of disaster as residents face a boil water advisory and a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. In Appleton, the storm caused significant structural damage, including the destruction of Nathan Calder Stadium's bleachers. Utility crews are working to restore power, with Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies reporting progress on thousands of outages. Emergency shelters have been opened at Christ the Rock Community Church to assist displaced residents. Local authorities are urging residents to avoid damaged areas and remain patient as cleanup efforts begin across the region.

Sources

• WLUK
  NWS confirms EF-3 tornado as Fox Valley begins storm cleanup Tuesday
• The Post-Crescent
  Wisconsin has significant storm damage as tornado hits Menasha, live updates
• WLUK
  "I thought I was a goner": Appleton dash cameras capture driver's close call during storms
• WBAY
  Menasha apartment residents without power face boil water advisory with no means to comply